Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize honeys from the Middle Delta of Paraná River (Argentina) through pollen analysis and basic sensorial analysis, as well as assessing the vegetation contribution of this freshwater wetland as a source of nectar for Apis mellifera. Sixty-five samples were studied, out of which 109 pollen types, belonging to 53 plant families, were identified. The families Asteraceae and Leguminosae provided the greatest diversity of pollen types. Multifloral honeys were predominant (> 70%). Monofloral honeys were from Type Polygonum hydropiperoides (7), Sagittaria montevidensis (5), Eupatorium spp. (3), Pontederiaceae (2) and Salix humboltiana 1. Regional honeys are mistakenly called "Catay honeys" (Polygonum spp.) due to the wide distribution of species of this genus and the intense activity of honey bees observed on them. However, in the samples studied, Type Polygonum hydropiperoides varied from < 1% to 81% showing similar sensorial characteristics, among which the absence of crystals stands out. Pollen spectra of the "Catay honeys" reflect the surrounding freshwater wetland vegetation; when they present a value of > 25% taxa that do not belong to this ecosystem, they differ in their sensorial characteristics, particularly the presence of crystals. Pollen types such as Type Polygonum hydropiperoides, Sagittaria montevidensis, Eupatorium spp., Pontederiaceae, Nymphoides indica, Mimosa vellosiella, Vigna luteola, Cleome sp. and Type Solanum glaucophyllum, are suggested as geographical markers. According to the current knowledge, we propose to characterize these honeys considering their geographical origin instead of their botanical origin.
Highlights
Argentina is the third largest producer of honey in the world, after China and the United States
Pollen from Type Polygonum hydropiperoides and Sagittaria montevidensis was found in 100% of the samples; Pontederiaceae (Eichhornia spp. and Pontederia spp.), Vigna luteola, Bidens laevis, Eupatorium spp., Nymphoides indica, Type Solanum glaucophyllum, Poaceae, Type Mimosa vellosiella and Eucalyptus spp., in more than 70% of samples (Fig. 2)
The high presence of nectariferous taxa together to the shortage of honeydew elements and the low ash content (0.005-0.041%) in the honeys studied shows their floral origin, which contrasts the observations made by Gurini (2002). This author mentions the possible origin of honeydew elements from Panicum prionites, due to the presence of monospecific communities of this species in the region, and the repeated mention of beekeepers and residents of the island that honeybees suck on it. Her observation is based on the afore mentioned study by Gurini and Basilio (1995), who expressed the use of Paspalum species and Cortaderia selloana in the region
Summary
Argentina is the third largest producer of honey in the world, after China and the United States. The global export of honeys is of approximately 360,000 tons, and Argentina participates with a share of just over 20% of the total market, making it the main honey exporter in the world It exports over 95% of its production, and its main destinations are Germany, followed by the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain (SAGPyA, 2008). The ecological characteristics of the area combined with human intervention, have modified the various sectors to a greater or lesser degree. Due to these characteristics, this heterogeneous floristic region offers sources that allow for the development of various alternatives in beekeeping (Gurini, 2002). The honeys from this region are mistakenly called «Catay honeys» (Polygonum spp.), due to the intensive honey bee activity observed over its flowers, and because of their sensory properties, among which the absence of crystals stands out (Grupo «Islas del Delta», 2009)
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